Kent begin Royal London One-Day Cup bid against Worcestershire with skipper Joe Denly calling for focused approach

A galvanised Joe Denly will lead the Kent Spitfires in this year’s Royal London One-Day Cup as the county looks to end the 2022 season with a second trophy in as many years.

The mood in the camp is high ahead of today's opening fixture at Worcestershire and Kent feel they’re in a position to have a proper tilt at the 50-over contest season, after a 2021 Royal London campaign that was over almost as soon as it began.

“We’ve got a very good squad,” Denly said.

“We’ve lost a few players to the Hundred but I have to say, across all counties, so has everyone.

"I’m excited about the squad and, of course, the end goal is to get as far as we can and get that trophy. My message to the lads is quite clear - it’s the old cliche about just worrying about who’s in front of us.

"Hopefully we can get on a roll and get a few wins under our belt.”

Morale was also boosted by Kent’s dealings in the transfer market over the weekend.

The blow of learning Matt Milnes was leaving for Yorkshire was cushioned by the news that 20-year-old all-rounder Joey Evison was joining from Nottinghamshire, while captain Sam Billings and all-rounder Grant Stewart both signed long-term contract extensions.

“When you sign a quality young player like Joey, that’s a lift for everyone I think,” Denly said.

“Everyone at the club’s excited about it. I spoke to Joey the other day to welcome him to the club and he’s excited as well.

“I don’t think Notts would have wanted to let him go as he’s one of the brightest young players in the country, so to have him want to come to us and for us to be able to get him is a real positive. That’s the kind of player you want and to bring in players like Joey, and hopefully one or two more, shows the future’s looking bright.

“Sam